Eligibility quiz
Do you have a spouse or partner who is a Czech citizen?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in Czechia
You can live, rent a home, open a bank account and use ordinary services in Czechia for the period on your card.
A close family member’s card lasts for the expected stay of their family member, up to five years; certain other family members’ cards last up to three years.
It can be extended repeatedly while you live in Czechia and still qualify as a family member.
Study in Czechia
You can live and study in Czechia on the same general basis as other people living there lawfully.
Work in Czechia
Holders can work for any employer without a separate work permit or employee card, and can run a business.
Travel without visas
With a valid card and travel document, you can leave and return to Czechia repeatedly while your card is valid.
You can also visit the Schengen Area without a visa, but the card does not let you settle indefinitely in another country.
Permanent residence after five years
You can generally gain permanent residence after five years of continuous temporary residence.
The wait is two years for a close family member of a Czech or EU citizen with permanent residence, if the relationship has lasted at least one year.
Permanent residence documents last ten years and can be extended repeatedly for ten years at a time.
How to apply
Applying from inside CzechiaApplying from inside Czechia
Find your local office
Find the Ministry of the Interior office responsible for the place where you live in Czechia.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Czechia Ministry of the Interior office in your city handles a temporary residence permit for an EU citizen's family member?”
Download the application form
Download the application for a temporary residence permit for a family member of an EU citizen.
Download the formFill in the form
Fill in and sign the form, including the details of your Czech spouse or partner and your relationship.
Get help with the formSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in the Czechia application for a temporary residence permit for an EU citizen's family member?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the Ministry of the Interior office.
See required documentsBook an appointment
Book an appointment through the Information Portal for Foreigners, or contact your Ministry of the Interior office to arrange one.
Book an appointmentSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I book a Czechia Ministry of the Interior appointment for a temporary residence permit for an EU citizen's family member?”
Go to your appointment
Bring your signed application and documents to the Ministry of the Interior office and hand them in person.
Find appointment instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit a temporary residence permit application for an EU citizen's family member at the Czechia Ministry of the Interior?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the Ministry of the Interior to decide your application. Answer any questions and provide any extra documents it asks for.
See what happens nextSearches DuckDuckGo for “What happens after I apply for a temporary residence permit for an EU citizen's family member in Czechia?”
Give your biometrics
After approval, give your biometrics when the Ministry of the Interior tells you to, so your card can be made.
Find biometrics instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I give biometrics for a temporary residence permit for an EU citizen's family member in Czechia?”
Collect your card
Collect your residence card in person when the Ministry of the Interior tells you it is ready. Your card shows your permission to live in Czechia with your spouse or partner.
Find collection instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I collect a temporary residence permit card for an EU citizen's family member in Czechia?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Marriage or partnership certificate *
Provide your marriage certificate or registered partnership document showing your relationship to your Czech spouse or partner. Your Czech spouse or partner must have permanent residence in Czechia.
* Only if you are married or in a registered partnership.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationProof of partnership *
Provide documents showing that you and your Czech partner are in a permanent partnership. Your partner must have permanent residence in Czechia, and the office will assess the evidence of your relationship.
* Only if you are in an unregistered partnership.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationConsiderations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Lost or damaged card
Report a lost, stolen or damaged residence card within three working days.
Late reporting of a lost, destroyed, damaged or stolen card can lead to a fine of up to CZK 5,000.
Reporting personal changes
Report changes to your name, marital status, travel document or residence document within 15 working days.
Report a new address within 30 working days if you will live there for more than 180 days.
Late reporting can lead to a fine of up to CZK 3,000.
Residence can end
You can end your residence voluntarily, or it may be taken away if your family relationship no longer qualifies, you stop living together in Czechia, or for serious legal reasons.
Exceptions and your family life must be considered.
For ordinary reasons, you generally get 60 days to leave; you may apply for another residence status and keep work access while that application is decided.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
EU Freedom of Movement Support Initiative
English Facebook group for people living in the Czechia interested in Czech visas
Request to joinAmecan -USA Canada Australia Europe Japan-Visitor & Student Visa Specialist
English Facebook group for people living in the Czechia interested in Czech visas
Join on FacebookRelocation to Czechia - Work Study Business Residence Permits
English Facebook group for people living in the Czechia interested in Czech visas
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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